The Xolos vs Chiapas Liga MX Week 8 match will take place on Saturday, August 31, 2013 (7:00 PM Pacific) at the Estadio Victor Manuel Reyna. Both teams have been inconsistent and find themselves right in the middle of the standings. A victory would push the winner into the safety of the top eight spots.

Xolos has had a very difficult time in its away games, losing twice in the Liga MX. With just 8 points earned so far, Tijuana is in deep need of at least attaining 1 point in their visit to Chiapas, and thus break the terrible away game streak.

Xolos’ away issues can be mostly attributed to coach Almiron’s inability to adapt his strategy when the game changes. In the away matches against Morelia and Monterrey, Xolos had a very good chance at earning a draw, but Almiron’s erroneous substitutions cost Tijuana the match.

Last week’s home game against Santos, a disappointing 1-1 draw, is a clear example that demonstrates Almiron’s issues with second-half substitutions. Xolos were up 1-0, and Santos was starting to increase its attacking opportunities. What did Almiron do? He took out Pellerano, a defensive midfielder, and put in Olsina (a mediocre attacking midfielder) in his place.

The end result was a weakened midfield that could neither defend nor attack, Olsina should have never been subbed in to the match. Subbing in Joe Corona, a player better suited to defend than Olsina, or a defender, would have been way better options. In the end, another coaching mistake cost Xolos valuable points.

For their part, Jaguares currently sits in 11th place with 8 points, has been inconsistent all season long, and has only won 1 match. The limited roster led by coach Sergio Bueno has little aspirations of making the playoffs, and simply want to do well enough to avoid relegation. Playing against a Xolos team that has consistently had troubles in away games, this could be a great chance for Chiapas to earn a second win.

Xolos vs Chiapas Prediction

Although Chiapas has been inconsistent all season long, Tijuana has been even worse when playing away games. Look for Xolos to play an offensive style, while Chiapas takes advantage of the open spaces left by Tijuana. In what will likely end as another disappointment for Tijuana, this match will end in a draw. The Xolos vs Chiapas match will end in a 1-1 draw.

Xolos vs Chiapas TV Schedule

The Tijuana vs Jaguares match will be televised this Saturday, August 31, 2013 on Univision Deportes at 7:00 PM Pacific.